Jesse Jackson and the "N" word

OK, Here's the thing. I say stoopid things, you probably have the same experience here and there. What I don't inderstand is why is it hard to accept responsibility for our own words or actions.

As we know, Jesse Jackson has worked his but off to make sure we don't use the "N" word
and he even tried to burry it in a ceremony, but then, he says it out loud in a private conversation. And, that's OK in a way, because, it is socially accepted that African-Americans can and do use the "N" word and it has a different meaning than if it was said by a Caucaisan man. You don't need a History lesson on this subject...

So, he said it... Now, he's playing games of not being aware of saying it. My question is: Since it's on tape, we've seen it and heard it, Why can't Mr. Jackson admit his own action? Instead, he chooses to jump on a "Damage Control" bandwagon trying to prevent the tape from leaking out.
Why? What is he trying to hide? And, in the end, what's wrong with admiting your own mistakes?